As we reflect on Romans 8:6-11, we can be reminded of the freedom that comes from being children of God. Our spirit has been made alive in Christ and through faith in Him, we have been set free from sin and its condemnation. We can trust that nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is found in Christ Jesus.
Today, we will be studying Romans 8:6-11. Let’s start by reading the passage together:
“6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” (NIV)
Now, let’s reflect on what we have just read:
- In verse 6, Paul contrasts the mind governed by the flesh and the mind governed by the Spirit. What are some examples of thoughts and actions that come from a mind governed by the flesh? What are some thoughts and actions that come from a mind governed by the Spirit?
- In verses 7-8, Paul explains that the mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God and cannot please God. Why is this the case? How can we overcome this hostility and please God?
- In verses 9-11, Paul explains that those who have the Spirit of God living in them belong to Christ and have the promise of eternal life. What does it mean to have the Spirit of God living in us? How does this affect our lives on earth and our hope for eternal life?
Now, let’s pray together:
Dear God, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit who lives in us. Help us to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh, so that we may experience the life and peace that come from you. Help us to overcome our hostility towards you and to please you with our thoughts and actions. Thank you for the promise of eternal life through your Spirit. We trust in you and ask for your guidance as we continue to grow in our faith. Amen.
Finally, let’s have a group discussion:
- How can we recognize when our thoughts and actions are coming from a mind governed by the flesh? How can we intentionally cultivate a mind governed by the Spirit?
- What are some ways that we can overcome our hostility towards God and please him with our thoughts and actions?
- How can we live in the reality of having the Spirit of God living in us? What are some practical ways we can rely on the Spirit’s guidance and strength in our daily lives?
Thank you for joining us in this Bible Study. Let’s continue to seek God’s truth and wisdom as we grow in our faith.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, We thank You for the freedom which You offer us in You. Help us to recognize this gift and to use it as a way to draw closer to You and become more like You. Thank You for the hope of new life found through Your Son Jesus and for Your perfect love that surpasses all understanding. In His name we pray, Amen.
Group Discussion Questions or Private Devotional Reflection
- What do Romans 8:6-11 tell us about our relationship with God?
- How does living by the Spirit bring us closer to God?
- How does knowing that nothing can separate us from God’s love help you in difficult times?
- What other truths about our relationship with God can be found in this passage?